 |
| Pikes Peak Cog Railway |
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
The great beauty of Pikes Peak and the surrounding area inspired author Katherine Bates to write "America the Beautiful" in the summer of 1893 after ascending the mountain in a wagon. Today you can enjoy the same view by riding to the summit on the highest cog railway in the world. Built in 1891, the "cog" railway was constructed with geared tracks that mesh with geared wheels on the train, allowing the train to climb at grades up to 25%. At the 14,115 foot summit of Pikes Peak the visitor can enjoy panoramic views of the Continental Divide to the Great Plains and visit the snack bar and gift shop at the Summit House.
Location:
Manitou Springs (near Colorado Springs)
Visit Time:
Minimum: Three to three and a half hours, including round-trip train ride, a 40 minute stay on the summit, and a visit to the gift shop
Season:
Open mid-April though October. Train departs every 1:20 hours starting at 8:00 a.m. during the summer; times vary in the fall and spring.
Fee:
Adults $ 31.00 (July 1 - August 20) RESERVATIONS ARE NEEDED AT ALL TIMES
Visitor Information:
(719)685-5401
Directions:
Exit #141 off I-25; go west on US 24 for 4 miles to Manitou Avenue; left (west) on Manitou Avenue for 1.5 miles; turn left on Ruxton Avenue and go to the end (0.75 miles); depot on the left side of road (1515 Ruxton Avenue)
Feature Article: